News from JLAM!

Scott Impola
Apr 24
3 min read

We’ve Officially Launched!

The dream has come to life. After years of visioning and planning, we’ve finally launched our Junior Leadership Academy programs! From the very first day, when the teen boys came bounding up the stairs full of excited, nervous energy, it filled my heart with so much joy. Seeing their faces light up as they explored the space, learned about the activities, and met the team reminded me why we do this.

Even just one day later, the transformation was evident. Their energy settled into focused participation, attentive, engaged, and excited to be there. It’s clear we’re planting seeds that will grow.

Lessons from the Field: The Power of Early Intervention

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been visiting local schools to build relationships and spread the word. In one of those visits, we met a school counselor named Maricela, who shared her deep concerns about the struggles facing older boys, ages 15 to 17, in her school.

Many are already involved in drugs, violence, and live in areas heavily influenced by gang activity. Maricela invited us to run a workshop with 38 of these teens. It was powerful, though challenging.

The behavioral issues we encountered were tough, but also a stark reminder of why we are starting this work early, with boys as young as 10 and 11.

It’s why JLAM exists: because it is far more effective to build strong boys than try to repair broken men. As the African proverb says, “If a child is not embraced by the village, he will burn it down to feel its warmth.” Early prevention matters.

Growing Team:

Meet Our Interns!

We’re excited to welcome three psychology interns from the University UNAD, who will be with us for the semester.

They are already playing an integral role in our programs, helping facilitate workshops, providing support to our boys, and helping build out our curriculum and psychosocial activities. Their presence adds heart and professionalism to our growing team.

How You Can Help:

Metro Cable Support

Many of our boys live in the steep, hilly neighborhoods of Medellín, places where buses often can’t reach. Fortunately, the city has built an incredible system of metro cables to connect these communities to the rest of the city.

These cables allow our boys to safely and efficiently travel down from their neighborhoods to our program site. But the rides aren’t free. Each ticket costs 3,200 pesos (about 90 cents USD) each way, and the cost adds up quickly, especially when students attend multiple times per week.

We’re asking for your help.

Would you consider becoming a monthly donor at just 50,000 pesos (approx. $15 USD) to help us cover transportation costs for our students?

Your donation means:

•Safe and consistent access to our programs

•The ability to serve youth from 10 schools across Comunas 12 and 13

•A cost-effective way to expand impact across high-risk areas

•Hope for boys who want something more than what their neighborhood may offer

We’ve included a short video to give you a glimpse into where our students come from—and how your support makes the journey possible.

What’s Next?

Currently, we’re running morning programs for students who attend school in the afternoon. Starting this week, we’re launching afternoon programs as well, so we can serve students who go to school in the morning. In Colombia, school operates on two schedules, and we’re building programming to match both so no one is left out.

Thank You for Believing

We’re so grateful to each of you who have supported this vision, from ideas to action. This is just the beginning, and we’re already seeing signs of transformation.

With your continued support, we’ll keep building, stronger boys, stronger families, and a stronger future.

—The JLAM Team

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